Monday, December 31, 2012

***This is my second post for the day. Please scroll down for my C.C. Designs preview for All That Scraps post. ***

Welcome to Day 1 of Sweet November previews for All That Scraps. The theme this month is all about babies. Today we are featuring projects using Forest Pals which is a set of three images with the cutest stuffed animal baby forest critters you've ever seen.

I think this particular toy is a stuffed squirrel but I colored him up more like a chipmunk. After coloring up this cutie pie, I attached him to a small forest scene cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities and used the C.C. Designs Spooky Tree Cutters to cut a not-so-spooky tree. I stamped the simple sentiment from the also new AmyR Welcome Little One sentiment set onto a small jewelry tag shape and then tied it to the tree with Twinery Twine. All the patterned paper is from the Pebbles Family Ties 6x6 pad.

Be sure to check out the project that my fellow design team member Marion has created using this stamp. Amy, the artist behind the Sweet November
line has a beautiful card to share with you and also outlines the details on how
to win some blog candy which includes the stamp set we are all using today.
All you have to do is leave comments on our blogs.

This stamp set will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store Thursday, January 3 at 8:00 pm CST.

Welcome to the All That ScrapsJanuary stamps and dies previewsfeaturing theC.C. Designs line. Itis the luck of the Irish day here today which is rather ironic for me since the Notre Dame Fighting Irish andAlabama will play for the national championship game on January 7. No offense but I am hoping the Irish have no luck at all that night!

First up is a card featuring the new Irish Emma and one of the shamrocks from the also new Lucky Charms Cutters set. I kept the design clean and simple allowing the earth tone colors to pop against the white background. The sentiment is from the also new for this month AmyR Lucky Sentiments set. The patterned paper is from the American Crafts Ready Set Go 6x6 pad.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Hi everyone. Today's card is for the very last Sketch for You to Try as Jen has decided to take a break.I think this sketch is closed already but I really wanted to participate anyway in honor of all Jen's great sketches over the years.

The sketch gave me the perfect opportunity to use one of my new stamp and die sets from Taylored Expressions, Bonjour Couture. I stamped and cut out the three dressforms, positioning them on the main image circle, using dimensional dots on the center one. The paper is all from the Pebbles Seen and Noted pad which is a real favorite of mine.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Good morning. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas. Ours is not over yet. While you are reading this we are in car for about 10 hours on our way to visit my stepdaughter and her family for a few days to celebrate the holiday with them.

I am using one of the three images from the Love Bug Fun set. I wanted this to be for a child so I kept things rather simple. I partially colored the heart portion of the image to indicate a work in progress. The paper is some older Daisy Bucket paper from my stash (they are out of business now). I stamped the sentiment from the Love Bug Fun set onto was stamped onto the heart cut with the Big Hearts Embossing Cutters. Ribbon, thread and buttons provided some extra frou frou.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Even though I am deep into Christmas preparations I have a Valentine card today which features another one of the C.C. Designs stamps left over from my All That Scraps
Challenge team days which I never used. I think this is the final one from a group that I received right before I transitioned over to the All That Scraps Design Team this year. And yes, that means it is a year old!

I cut the fence with the Fence Border Cutters and then used Lesa's idea to make it 3-D. I added some flowers cut with the Flower Border Cutters and grass cut with the Grass Border Cutters. After placing colored up Cupig on a tag shape, I slipped it behind the fence. The punny sentiment is from the same stamp set. The patterned paper is all from the Echo Park This and That Graceful pad and I found the decorative brad used to secure the tag in my stash.

Monday, December 17, 2012

I found this cute gingerbread bag at my local Tar-shay the other day and knew exactly how I wanted to use it. This week's Deconstucted Sketch (DS81) featured a tag so I followed it to create a matching bag tag. I started out by cutting out a tag shape from corrugated cardstock and then created the rosette using the new The Cat's Pajamas Star Rosette, attaching the rosette to the tag with a large brad. I cut two gingerbread men from different pattern papers using the new Man CutUps from The Cat's Pajamas.The CutUp coordinates perfectly with the Homemade for the Holidays stamp set but it can be used as a stand alone diecut too which is how I used it here. I tied them onto the rosette with Cherry Divine Twine slipping the banner shape underneath them. After placing the gift inside the bag, I folded over the top and punched two holes with a Crop-a-dile. I closed the bag up with American Crafts curling ribbon and attached the tag to the bag by inserting more Cherry Divine Twine through one of the holes and tying in a bow. If this wasn't already mailed out it could easily sit underneath my kitchen tree which also has a bunch of
gingerbread figures on it.

I haven't had much of a chance to get to my craft table the past couple of weeks. This was a great project to do to help keep my mind off the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I simply cannot wrap my brain around it and am constantly tearing up. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache the families have to deal with right now. I realize that it sounds cowardly and selfish but I really had to stop watching the television coverage.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Did you catch The Cat's Pajamas new release? It was a very special release as we celebrated TCP's 10 year anniversary! In honor
of that, we were excited to celebrate the way we started with
rubber stamps. Cling Rubber Stamps for easy storage
and positioning. Perfect for those who love rubber, but also love the
convenience and ease of clear. Limited Edition because these
stamps are extra special, lovingly assembled at Alma's dining room
table. Just like we did 10 years ago. So snap them up, because only a
small number will be made. Her table is only so big.

This is one of the cards I shared at the TCP release party on Splitcoast Stampers but not here on the blog yet. The set is Merry Everything featuring the famous bunny x 2. I combined this sweet image with papers from the Lily Bee Christmas Cheer pad. I used a couple of CutUps, one of the new HolidayToppersand an old favoriteBig Scallop.

Another on the run post I'm afraid. It's busy, busy around here with holiday preparations! I got started late due to not feeling very well so I'm rushing around now. How are you doing with your shopping and decorating?

Sunday, December 9, 2012

First of all, I want to thank everyone who left me a comment. I loved reading a little bit about you. And special a thank you to several of you who also mentioned the giveaway or added it to your sidebar on your blog. That was super sweet and I really appreciated it.

I put everyone's name in a bowl who commented, plus added the names of those who were also followers a second time. I asked my hubby to draw for me and the winner is:

Rhonda Miller

Rhonda, please email me at nthom100 at gmail dot com with your address and I'll get your package out to you ASAP. I need to hear from you within a week.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Be sure to enter to win my Blogiversary Giveaway. Details over there------------>

Open until Midnight, CST!

A quick post today to remind you that I am closing my giveaway tonight. I've been feeling a bit under the weather the past few days so not much is happening on the creative end. Or on the home front for that matter. Luckily it doesn't appear to be the flu. Alabama is one of the states experiencing a flu outbreak right nowso I'm trying to limit my exposure to people until I get my flu shot.

So this weekend will be spent trying to catch up on things. I hope you have a great weekend.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Be sure to enter to win my Blogiversary Giveaway. Details over there------------>

Only one more day to enter!

Today's card features one of my new My Favorite Things stamp set, Stitched Stockings. I first cut out with the matching Die-namics and then stamped one of each with Fresh Inks in Pool and Limeade and VersaColor Camellia. I replaced the image button with a real one and then attached to the main panel, stamping the simple sentiment onto a paper doily cut with the Mini Doily Die-namics. I added the perforated border using The Cat's Pajamas Toppers CutUps. I used the MFTWSC84 sketch for the layout although I took quite a few liberties with it.The row of felt circles were left over from other projects and I topped each with a small jewel.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Be sure to enter to win my Blogiversary Giveaway. Details over there------------>

I'm back with the last of the previews of the All That Scraps stamps for December. Webbie's Words are from a new designer and you've seen me using them throughout this release week. The set I am using today is Love Nuggets Sentiments. After stamping the images I cut out with the matching Conversation Hearts Cutters. Two of the smaller hearts were matted onto the circle from the newStackables Cuttersand then attached to two banners cut with the also newBanner Day Cutters. The larger sentiment heart was colored with Copic markers and then adhered with a dimensional dot to make it stand out. The main image is new this month also, C.C. Designs Cupid Mickey.Isn't he cute? The paper is all from last year's Echo Park Yours Truly pad.

I stamped the image and then cut out with a Lifestyles Crafts nesting die. I colored it with Copic Markers, adding Ranger Liquid Pearls for the tops of the candy. The sentiment is also from the set and was stamped and matted onto pieces cut with the C.C. Designs Big Hearts Embossing Cutters. I used one one of the pieces from the also newStackables Cutters to cut two pieces which I scored in the center and wrapped around the two edges, adding buttons as anchors.A few more buttons here and there finished things up. The paper is Basic Grey Bittersweet from my stashand is at least four years old!

Be sure to check out the project that my fellow design team member Marion has created using this stamp. Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November
line has a beautiful card to share with you and also outlines the details on how
to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today.
All you have to do is leave comments on our blogs.

This stamp set will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store Thursday, December 6 at 12:01 am CST. Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for even more previews.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Be sure to enter to win my Blogiversary Giveaway. Details over there------------>

***This is my second post for the day. Please scroll down for my All That Scraps Lil Lads and Lolitas

post. ***

Welcome to Day 1 of Sweet November previews for All That Scraps. Today we are featuring projects using the Love Birds set. I love stamps that are versatile and I have two projects using this image in different themes.

First up is a purely Valentine-ish card which features paper from a Bo Bunny Crush pad from a couple of years ago. After stamping the image, I cut it out with a Spellbinders Nestie with the out of the box technique. The sentiment is from another new Sweet November set debuting tomorrow which was stamped onto a heart shape cut from the also new this month Conversation Hearts Cutters set. I added a circular office supply clip with a piece of Strano ribbon. The heart in the center of it was cut from last month's Cocoa and Coffee Cutters.

Second is a more generic card featuring "blue" birds and more organic colors from nature. I stamped and colored the image cutting out with Spellbinders Nestabilites. I stamped the leaves again, coloring and then cutting them out. I layered each cut leave over the matching image, gluing down near the stem area and adding a dimensional dot underneath the top of each leaf to give them some lift. I added a rolled rose and leaves cut with the C.C. Designs Mistletoe Cutters. The paper is all from the Echo Park For the Record 2 pad.

Be sure to check out the project that my fellow design team member Marion has created using this stamp. Amy, the artist behind the Sweet November
line has a beautiful card to share with you and also outlines the details on how
to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today.
All you have to do is leave comments on our blogs.

This stamp set will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store Thursday, December 6 at 12:01 am CST.

Be sure to enter to win my Blogiversary Giveaway. Details over there------------>

I'm back with another preview of the All That Scraps stamps for December. Today we are featuring projects from the recently acquired Lil Lads and Lolitas collection which have an international flavor this month. Since I've always wanted to go to Australia, I chose to work with Australian Kellita.

Kellita was colored with Copic markers. Her hair turned out a bit more yellow than I wanted so I toned it down by coloring it all over with a warm gray. I combined her with papers from the Crate Paper On Trend pad and used the also newStackables Cutters for the rub-ons sentiment.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Be sure to enter to win my Blogiversary Giveaway. Details over there------------>

I created another Christmas card using this week's Deconstructed Sketch (DS79). I've had the Wild Rose Studio Polar Bears image stamped and colored and kitted up with the Studio Calico Wonderland paper for a while now just waiting for the opportunity to put it all together. Being acutely aware of the stack of lumpy Christmas cards I have ready to mail requiring extra postage I decided to use all felt pieces for embellishments! The star was cut using the new The Cat's Pajamas 3x3 CutUps and the buttons were cut with the My Favorite Things Button Quartet Die-namics.

Today's card features the Love is in the Air set from the Meoplescollection. I started out by stamping several of the included sentiments inside the "thought bubbles" in the pattern paper from the Pebbles Seen and Noted pad. For the main image, I stamped two of the Meoples, adding more sentiments from the set inside the hearts they hold and then coloring with Copics. I stamped the additional heart with the also new Love Nuggets Sentiments from a new designer, Webbie's Words and again colored with Copics. It was cut out with the new Conversation Hearts Cutters set.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

I haven't had a chance to play with the MFT sketch since mid-October so I definitely wanted to remedy that especially since I have three new MFT Christmas stamp sets. Plus frankly I am a few cards short for my Christmas cards this year.

Today's card features My Favorite Things a la modes You Shine. Not sure why I liked this stamp so much considering I've had major issues with lights on Christmas trees this year! I don't want to talk about it though. It's not nice to curse, especially at Christmas.

As per usual I stamped the image onto Copics X-Press It Blending Card and colored with Copics. I added some shine to the star with Ranger Diamond Stickles and Ranger Glossy Accents to the Christmas lights. I followed the sketch (MFTWSC100), using patterned papers from the Carta Bella Be Merry pad. I finished things up with a Jenni Bowlin button, some jewels and May Arts ribbon. I used the flag shape from The Cat's Pajamas Easy Rosettes to cut the two small fishtail tags.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Can you believe it is December? I've been in a form of denial about the whole holiday thing but I finally got my Christmas tree up a couple of days ago and I've actually bought a few gifts last week. So I'm slowly working toward the realization that yes, indeed Christmas is coming whether I am ready for it or not.

Although I'm not super excited about the holidays yet, I am excited about my Blogiversary and the Giveaway celebrating it. I started this blog three years ago today. At the time I wasn't even sure what I wanted it to be or if I would even keep it up. For the longest time I felt like I was talking to myself but slowly and surely I acquired readers. Readers like YOU. I am humbled and gratified that you would take the time to visit me when I know there are so many blogs out there. Trust me when I say that I do not take that for granted.

Now for the giveaway. I've carefully put together a kit which includes a brand new uncut Doodlebug North Pole 6x6 pad, new Liquid Pearls in Ruby Red and Silver, new Holiday Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas, two new sets of Kaisercraft jewel embellishments in green and red, a ribbon/brad card featuring four ribbons (2 feet each) and three decorative brads, two button cards I created just for this occasion and a card I created using this same paper pad for the recent The Cat's Pajamas release (envie provided also).

Here are some pics:

I really do not want you to have to jump through hoops to get this. First of all, you absolutely have to comment on this post. Tell me anything. Your plans for the holidays, your favorite paper line, your favorite stamp company, what you want for Christmas, problems with the family, etc. etc. Anything goes. Just talk to me. That is the way to get your name in the drawing.

If you are a follower, new or otherwise, sign up over there somewhere-----------> will get your name in the drawing a a second time. It's not necessary to win - it just means it increases your chances.

If you mention this giveaway on your blog it would be very much appreciated but it is not necessary to win.

My international readers are welcome to enter but understand the package make take longer to get to you.

I will close this at the end of my day December 8 (midnight CDT) so you have one week.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

It's one last review day on the All That Scraps blog
and I am joining other members of the design team in showing you more
projects using the November release stamps and dies.

There were so many fabulous stamps in this release it really was hard to choose which ones to work with. Today I am featuring Sisters from the Swiss Pixies line. I love my big sister very much and these girls holding hands really tug at my heart. I even colored the hair like ours! The brunette one represents me and although I'm the youngest, I am bigger so I'm also the taller one on the card. Bigger in more ways than one but I don't really want to talk about that! I used a combo of Copic coloring and paper piecing to dress the sisters up. The paper is from the fabulous My Mind's Eye Play Date pad. I used the Family Sayings Cutters for the tag and then added some rolled flowers and twine.The brads and photo anchors were from my stash.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Since it is release day that also means a blog hop. I hope you arrived here from Jen's blog where I am sure she had something fabulous to show you. If not, head on over to Lori's blog to start at the beginning. Lori is this week's TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES238) challenge hostess which is a theme of "Vintage Holiday".

I decided to make a card/small gift combination by creating a felt gingerbread girl. I used the new Man CutUps to cut two pieces from felt. I added the felt cuffs at the arms and legs to the front piece and also cut two slits in an "X" pattern with my craft knife in the area where the "heart" would be. I machined sewed the two pieces together and then stuffed polyfil through the hole I cut previously. Once it was completely stuffed, I added the two buttons and the felt heart over the cut opening so it would not show. I then made an oversized tag shape using two of the pieces from the new Toppers CutUpsadding a pom pom and button at each point and then threaded some seam binding through two of the holes at the top.I attached the felt gingerbread girl to it with clear fishing wire, running it from the buttons all the way through the card top and tied it off inside. That way it can be cut by the recipient and removed from the card if desired. The sentiment is from the Homemade for the Holidays set. I added a snowflake cut with the Snowflake CutUps as the finishing touch.

To complete the blog hop, please hop on over to The Cat's Pajamas and take a look at these fabulous new products. I think this is one of my very favorite releases and I hope it is one of yours too. Please remember that the stamps are Limited Edition so get them while they are hot!